SE537359C2 - Device for hearing aid system - Google Patents

Abstract

SUMMARY The invention relates to a unit (301, 402a, 402b, 403) for use in a hearing aid system comprising a radio antenna (332, 452) for receiving and / or sanding from / to other units (301, 402a, 402b, 403). ) in said hearing aid system, said unit being arranged to register a radio interference (604) received by said radio antenna (332, 452) at a time when the radio antenna (332, 453) is not used for receiving and / or sanding from / to said other units. (301, 402a, 402b, 403). The invention further relates to a communication system comprising a mini receiver (402b) connected to a hearing aid (601) and comprising a radio antenna (452) for receiving communication, an installation unit (403) comprising a radio antenna (452) for communicating installations and audio information to said mini-receiver (402b), a transmitter unit (301) comprising a radio antenna (332) for transmitting audio information to said mini-receiver (402b), wherein at least one of said mini-receiver (402b), installation unit (403) or transmitter unit (301) is arranged to register radio interference (604) in the event that its radio antenna (332, 452) is not used for sanding and / or reception.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a unit for a hearing aid system. The invention further relates to a communication system comprising such a unit.

Background of the Invention Wireless frequency modulated radio transmissions are used for several purposes. For example, FM sandings are used to enable and support communication in cordless phones, walkie-talkies and baby monitors. A special area of use is to use FM sandings to support the situation of people who are hearing impaired. The equipment usually includes a transmitter, which picks up a sound from the person speaking, and transmits the sound by means of an FM signal from the transmitter to a receiver carried by a user. The receiver can convert the FM signal into a sound, usually using the flagon type of headphone, which allows the user to hear the person speaking more clearly. This type of sand system is crucial for letting the user handle situations such as lectures, fashion, TV, radio and theater.

One problem with the prior art sand systems is that the sandings can be easily received by unintended users, which prevents private meetings from being held securely. In addition, since the signal is usually transmitted at a relatively low frequency, large and awkward antennas are required, leading to illegally large transmitters and, more importantly, large and awkward receivers.

In sand systems for hearing-impaired people, the hearing-impaired person often uses a hearing aid that interacts with the sand system. This interaction can take place in several ways. It has long been common for a horseshoe loop to be used. The hearing loop is connected to a receiver which in turn inductively sends a signal to the hearing impaired person's hearing aid. However, the inductive receiver in the hearing aid can easily receive other magnetic fields than those intended to be picked up by the hearing loop, which degrades the sound quality.

One solution to the problem of lightweight inductive systems is to connect a radio receiver directly to the hearing aid, which radio receiver picks up a signal such as the sands than sand system. Such a connection, and s.k. audio shoe, is a can and is used to connect small mini-receivers for direct reception from the sand system to the hearing aid.

A problem with such mini-receivers is that they are easily enlarged by surrounding electronics such as the hearing aid itself. If these radio disturbances are too large, the recorded signal of the minimum receiver can become so poor that the resulting sound in the hearing aid becomes unusable, which means that the minimum receiver does not work for radio reception from the sand system.

Summary of the Invention In light of the above, an object of the present invention is to solve or at least reduce the problems described above. More specifically, an object of the invention is to make it possible to investigate whether radio interference exists which may lead to a minimum receiver not functioning.

The above-mentioned template and objects of an invention according to the appended independent claims are generally achieved. One aspect of the invention includes a unit for use in a hearing aid system comprising a radio antenna for receiving and / or sanding from / to other units in said hearing aid system, said unit being arranged to register a radio interference received by said radio antenna when the radio antenna is not used. for receiving and / or sanding from / to the said other units.

A user in the hearing aid system who uses a receiver in a hearing aid system with the aid of the registered radio interference can determine if radio interference from any other equipment is the large receiver. In this way, equipment that is large can be identified and replaced, repaired or cut so that the radio noise is minimized.

The invention may in particular be adapted for a radio interference which emanates from a hearing aid in said hearing aid system. Since it is 2 edges that the electronics in hearing aids are to a different extent dependent on selected electronic components in the hearing aid, it is of particular interest to investigate whether the hearing aid is large. It is common in a hearing aid system to connect a minimum receiver to the hearing aid, which will then be adjacent to the hearing aid and extra exposed to its radio interference. The unit according to the invention can then be used to identify equipment that stands, e.g. the hearing aid to which the ninni receiver is connected. The invention can also be used to identify radio interference as large equipment other than the receiver, e.g. a sander or an installation unit in the hearing aid system, which for flagon reason is connected to or must be in the vicinity of interfering electronic equipment.

The unit according to the invention may further be arranged to register an intensity level of said radio noise. The unit can then notify the user, for example, if the present radio interference is of a level that is interfering with units in the hearing aid system which are close to the radio interference. If it is the same unit as the radio interference that is intended to be located near the radio interference header, it can also turn itself off if the radio interference is considered to be too strong.

Furthermore, since units in a hearing aid system operate at special frequency bands, the unit according to the invention can be arranged to register radio interference at a plurality of frequencies in a frequency band Than 150 MHz to 112.5 GHz. The unit according to the invention can further be arranged to register radio interference in the order of Than -100 dB to -60 dB. The unit's measured registration of disturbances is thus limited in frequency and probability to the respective areas that are of interest from a radio interference point of view for units in the hearing aid system. Unit according to the invention can be designed so that said reception and / or sanding takes place by means of digital communication. Using digital communication in a hearing aid system has many benefits. It is easier to guarantee a good sound quality than in analogue systems and radio interference is not as significant a problem as in analogue systems as digital radio communication protocols allow certain loss of traffic packets. According to one aspect of the invention, the unit is a minimum receiver for a hearing aid in said hearing aid system. As it is often a problem that the hearing aid is a mini-receiver which is connected to the hearing aid, it may be advantageous to use the antenna of the mini-receiver for recording radio interference. The minimum receiver may further be adapted to comprise means for switching off when there is a registered indication that said radio noise is stronger than a predetermined level. In this way, it is avoided that the mini-receiver is used when there are radio interference that risks affecting the function of the mini-receiver. If the hearing aid system is to function according to the desired schedule and specification, it is advantageous that equipment that is controlled is not suitable and works inadequately due to the radio interference.

According to another aspect of the invention, the unit is an installation unit for a mini-receiver in said hearing aid system, the installation unit being arranged to communicate wirelessly with the mini-receiver, and the installation unit being arranged to communicate to the mini-receiver installations of the mini-receiver.

An installation unit is usually an optional part of a hearing aid system owned by audiologists or other personnel who handle and help hearing impaired people with the equipment in the hearing aid system. An audiologist can e.g. When a user buys a mini-receiver, check that the hearing aid that the hearing-impaired user already has emits acceptable levels of radio interference for a mini-receiver to function satisfactorily. Such a check of whether radio interference than a hearing aid stands a mini-receiver normally only needs gams once, as the radio interference from the hearing aid is unlikely to change over time. Should the electronics in the hearing aid become obsolete in a way that reduces the radio interference, the user can return to the audiologist for a quick check with the help of the installation unit.

The installation unit as above may further comprise a coupling for connecting said mini-receiver so that a user can listen to the mini-receiver with a hearing aid via an inductive loop or via headphones or a hearing talk. In this way, it can be checked that the minimum receiver works properly. Such a function is a complement to the function of 4 feeding radio interference Iran other equipment. A mini-receiver that does not work even though registered radio interference is at a low level can be examined to see if it works connected to the installation unit instead of the installation unit.

The same connection can also be arranged to read out installations Than the minimum receiver. This can be used to check the installations, Ora a backup copy of the installations or to save the installations if the mini receiver is damaged and needs to be replaced.

The installation unit can also be arranged to transfer unloaded installations to another minimum receiver wirelessly or via said connection.

This can be done if the installations in a mini-receiver in a hearing aid system are to be changed or if saved installations are to be returned from one mini-receiver to another. Making this transfer wireless makes it easier for all users of the hearing aid system and also meant that physical connections are not worn as much. If a minimum receiver is used alternately by different users, it may also be inconvenient to change its installations.

Mini receiver is a miniaturized radio receiver that is intended to be connected to a whore device via a standardized connection that is usually called Europlug. The connection is usually made via an audio shoe.

The mini receiver is normally powered by the whore's regular bat. The installation unit can furthermore also be arranged to activate and deactivate at least one of the following functions of the mini-receiver: tone indication, automatic standby mode, pairing, always the pass mode. The user benefit of the above-mentioned functions increases as it is possible to switch them off if they are not harmful in certain situations for the hearing-impaired user. If a minimum receiver is used alternately by different users, it may also be inconvenient to change these installations.

The installation unit can furthermore also be arranged to set up several minimum receivers substantially real-time. This can be inconvenient as you want other installations for all mini-receivers in a group where several or all hearing-impaired people have mini-receivers on their hearing aids. The function can also be good for an audiologist if he or she wants to transfer installations to all minimum receivers, e.g. if the manufacturer of the mini-receiver has prepared an upgrade of suitable installations or if the audiologist himself has found installations that could help hearing-impaired customers to get more benefit from their mini-receivers and thus their hearing aids.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the unit is a transmitter unit in said hearing aid system, said transmitter unit comprising a microphone for recording audio information. In a similar way that the installation unit can be adapted to supply radio interference with interfering electronics, a transmitter unit can be adapted to register radio interference. If there is a lot of radio interference in a million days of minimum receivers used, a transmitter with the function of detecting ambient radio interference can be useful to analyze millions in the vicinity of receivers in the hearing aid system so that the system works correctly. In this way, those who have a transmitter unit do not have to procure an installation unit or minimum receiver that includes registration of radio interference. For the same reason, the transmitter unit can furthermore also be wirelessly arranged to other installations at the said minimum receiver.

The unit according to the invention may further have a separate radio antenna for registering said radio interference, separate from the radio antenna which is arranged for sanding and / or reception from / to other units in said hearing aid system. In some cases, it may be both easier and cheaper to separate the registration of radio interference from the remaining unit and therefore use a separate antenna to register radio interference. For a user of the device, no difference is noticed.

The unit according to the invention may further comprise means for indicating that said registered radio interference is stronger than a predetermined level, which can take place visually and / or audibly via a light unit, a monitor or a sound emitting unit. If the feeding of radio interference results in a value above a predetermined level, the device may indicate to the hearing-impaired user that interference is occurring. This can happen through a land lamp flashing in a special way, a sound being emitted, a message being displayed on a monitor, or something else that with sound and / or light signals to the hearing-impaired user that there is a problem with radio interference for the device .

The present invention further relates to a communication system comprising a mini-receiver connected to a hearing aid and comprising a radio antenna for receiving communication, an installation unit comprising a radio antenna for communicating installations and audio information to said receiver, a transmitter unit comprising a radio antenna for transmitting audio input. receiver, wherein at least one of the said mini receivers, installation unit or transmitter unit is arranged to register radio interference in the event that its radio antenna is not used for sanding and / or reception.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a sanding system for providing sound to people who are hearing impaired in an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 Fig. 3 shows, in more detail, the functional components involved in a sound sanding in a system in an embodiment of the present invention when sanding is in operation, Fig. 3 shows the internal components of a sanding device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 4A Fig. 4B shows the internal components of a receiver device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 4B shows the internal components of a receiver device according to another embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 4C shows the internal components of an installation unit according to another embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 5 shows a structure in an embodiment of fo Fig. 6 shows the interaction between a whore apparatus with a receiver device according to Fig. 4B and an installation unit according to Fig. 40. 7 Detailed description of the invention Fig. 1 shows a sand system for providing sound to people who are hearing impaired in an embodiment of the present invention. A transmitter device 101 receives audio input from a sound source, such as a telephone 111, a telephone 112 of the digital digital wireless telecommunication (DECT) type, a loudspeaker 114, a microphone (one-way or one-way) 115, a TV 116 or any other suitable sound source 117. as heist via an audio connector. The connector between the transmitter device 101 and the sound source can be analogous, such as a 3.5 mm jack connector or RCA connector, or you as a coaxial connector or an optical connector. In addition, or alternatively, a Bluetooth audio connection 108 is established with a mobile telephone 113, using a Bluetooth module 109 in the transmitter device 101. As will be described in more detail below, the transmitter device 101 converts the audio signal provided to digital audio data (unless the data input on the transmitter device is already digital), encrypts the audio data, encodes the data, modulates the signal, for example by means of frequency shift tuning (FSK), quadrature phase shift tuning (QPSK) or minimum shift tuning (MSK) and transmits the data by means of a radio signal 103 which is transmitted through the air. The radio signal is transmitted on one of several available radio channels. Optionally, the transmitter device 101 can be controlled with a remote control 110 over a wireless interface 118, such as IR or radio. The radio signal 103 is received by a receiver device 102 which listens to the radio channel used by the transmitter. As described in more detail below, the receiver device 102 converts the radio signal when received into digital audio data, decrypts the data and converts the digital audio data into an analog audio signal again. Thereafter, the receiver device provides the audio signal to an electroacoustic transducer 104, such as a headphone loop, a headphone, a headphone or headphones, whereby a user 106 can hear the sound from the original sound source.

An optional area of application for the sand system is to use it for trade detection. A commercial detection part 121 is then part of, or connected to, the transmitter device 101. The commercial detection part 8 comprises an electroacoustic transducer 121. The transducer 121 may be a simple microphone or the like, it only needs to be able to detect a sound level in its vicinity. Trade detection works as follows. The trade detection part is placed near a sound source that generates a sound Than a trade that is intended to be detected. This can be, for example, a doorbell, a telephone or a fire alarm. When the sound source emits a sound, the trade detection part detects the sound and at the level of the sound signal detected is higher than a threshold, a trade signal is generated and sent to the receiver device 102. The receiver device 102 recognizes the trade signal and generates an analog audio signal output to the electroacoustic converter 104. The action signal itself is preferably sanded by means of a control signal, which is explained in more detail below. There are several types of configuration data, or control data, usable for the receiver device 102. A first control data record is the identity of a radio channel used by the transmitter device 101. A second control data part is a decryption key required to decrypt the signal contained in the radio signal 103. The process providing the radio channel identity, decryption key or bath and referred to as pairing the transmitter device 101 and the receiver device 102. This means that the separate receiver device 102 is configured to receive audio data from the particular transmitter device 101. If encryption is not used only the channel identity needs to be configured in the receiver 102. In this case, the user 106 could manually set up the receiver device 102 to receive data on the respective channel. However, if encryption is used, there is a need to conveniently transfer the key to the receiver device 102.

A third type of control data is trade detection data. This data may include different types of sounds to be used for different actions and a threshold level above which a sound is considered an action.

A fourth type of control data may be the basic configuration, which includes the frequency of the control channel (whether a separate channel is in the embodiment used, time-outs used for the rest laws, etc.

The control data can be transmitted over a control channel 107. In a first embodiment, the control channel 107 is realized as a separate frequency over which 9 control data are transmitted. The receiver device 102 then periodically checks the control channel for control data. This is preferably solved by having two receivers in the receiver device 102. For example, if a second user 196 enters the room with a second device 192, the second receiver device 192 listens to a preset frequency for control data. When selection control data including key and channel data is transferred to the second receiver device 192 than the transmitter device 101, the second receiver device 192 sets the correct channel and can decrypt the audio data with the key provided. The control data can be sanded from a standard sanding device 101 or it can be sanded Than a dedicated receiver configuration unit 120. For example, the receiver configuration unit 120 can conveniently be placed at the entrance of a room, cinema, etc. For example, when the other user 196 enters the room, he / she will ensure that the second receiver unit 192 receives the key and channel data 15 for the sanding of audio data that will be handled in the room. The second receiver device can consequently set up an appropriate channel and can decrypt the data with the key provided. One way to limit the bar width of the sanding from the receiver configuration unit 120 is to use a ceramic antenna. In one embodiment, the usable bar width for the receiver configuration unit 120 is limited to about 1.5 meters.

The sanding effect on the control channel can be limited compared to the main audio channel, and only keys are received within a limited distance from the transmitter device 101. Optionally, configuration determining which control signal the receiver device should listen to can be set during production or optionally it can be configured by the user.

In a second embodiment, control data is transmitted on the same channel as the audio data. For example, if a second user 196 enters the room, the user 196 configures the receiver device to listen to a particular channel / frequency, which is the channel / frequency used for both audio data and control data in the room. The user of the transmitter device then initiates key data to be sanded, whereby the other user 196 receives the key data in a time slot Over the main channel. Thereafter, receiver devices 102 and 192 can receive and decrypt audio data from the transmitter device 101.

The configuration data comprising key and channel data may, alternatively or additionally, be transmitted via an inductive connection 105 from the receiver configuration unit 120. The second receiver device may then set up an appropriate channel and may decrypt the data with the key provided.

Fig. 1 also shows an installation unit which includes sanders and receivers for communication with receiver units in the system.

The installation unit is used to wirelessly install installations on receiver units in the system.

Fig. 2 shows in more detail the functional components involved in a sound sanding in a system in an embodiment of the present invention when sanding is in operation.

A sound source 220, such as sound sources 111-117 in Fig. 1, provides an analog or digital audio signal to a transmitter device 201, such as transmitter device 101 in Fig. 1. An analog-to-digital converter 221, also known as an AID converter, converts the analog audio signal to a digital audio signal, provided that the input signal is analog. If the input signal is digital, this function can convert the input digital data into a digital data format suitable for further processing in the transmitter device. In an encoder 222, the digital audio signal is encoded into a format that is both efficient in bit rate requirements and easy to recover from errors that may occur during sanding. Examples of possible coding procedures are Continuous Variable Slope Delta (CVSD), Hybrid Component Delta Modulation (HCDM) and Pulse Code Modulation (PCM). For example, with the help of CVSD, bit errors do not have dramatic effects on the sound heard by the user. Once the selection data is encrypted, it can be encrypted using an encryption key in an encryptor 223. The encryptor can use which encryption procedure as heist Than kand technology, which includes, but is not limited to: DES, AES, 3DES, RSA, DSS, etc. Finally, a transmitter 224 in the transmitter device converts the data into a radio signal 203 which is transmitted on a particular channel through the air. If the choice is edge 11, the transmitter 224 itself may comprise a number of different components which include bandpass filters, amplifiers, mixers, local oscillators, pass filters, etc. In this embodiment several channels are separated from each other by sanding at different bar frequencies, which as an effect creates a frequency division multiple access (FDMA) type system. Alternatively, time division multiple access (TDMA) or code division multiple access (CDMA) can be used. In this embodiment, the transmitter can transmit at the frequencies of 760-940 MHz, although the desired frequency may be used within the scope of the present invention.

The radio signal 203 is then picked up by a receiver 225 in the receiver device 202. In one embodiment, the receiver is a non-intermediate frequency receiver, which eliminates the need to handle intermediate frequencies. When the sand frequency band mentioned above is used, antennas can be built up to be small and built into the receiver. For example, dielectric antennas can be used. Similar to transmitter 224, receiver 225 itself may include a number of different components which include bandpass filters, amplifiers, mixers, local oscillators, pass filters, etc., for extracting digital data from the radio signal. Once the digital data is extracted, it is decrypted into an encoded audio data signal in the decryptor 226, using a decryption key that matches the encryption key mentioned above. If a symmetric encryption procedure is used, such as DES, AES or 3DES, the decryption key is the same as the encryption key. Once the selection signal has been decrypted, it is decoded in the decoder 227, according to the coding procedure used in the transmitter device 201. The decoded digital audio signal is then converted to an analog audio signal in a digital-to-analog converter 228, which is also known as a D / A converter. Finally, the analog audio signal is fed to an electroacoustic transducer 229 to be presented to the user. The electroacoustic transducer 229 is usually a headphone loop, a headphone, a headphone or headphone, but may also be a loudspeaker.

The components of the transmitter device 201 and the receiver device 202 described above are to be considered as functional components and not necessarily hardware components. The functional components can be realized as separate hardware units, where each component can comprise sub-components, on an ASIC, as software code executed in a CPU, DSP or microcontroller, or a combination of these alternatives.

Fig. 3 shows the internal components of a sanding device according to an embodiment of the present invention. To enable user interaction, the transmitter device 301 includes a display 330, e.g. a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a thin film transistor (TFT) display and a keypad 331. The keypad can be very simple with only a few fatal buttons, allowing the user to navigate through a menu system on the display to perform a large number of functions. An antenna 332 used to transmit the radio signal is preferably built into the transmitter device 301 for an attractive appearance and efficient breathing.

The antenna 332 as normal to transmit radio signals to any one also according to an embodiment of the present invention to receive radio perturbations when no sanding occurs Than units in the hearing aid system. In this way, radio interference can be detected by the transmitter when this function is on / off. If there are large radio disturbances that can large receiving equipment in the system, this can be indicated on the screen so that the user is alerted to the problem. The function can either be set to be performed automatically in situations when no devices are sanding, or be set to be performed manually by a user. In the latter case, the user can e.g. keep the sanding unit in the vicinity of a suspected disturbing equipment, such as a hearing aid or flagon other smaller wireless electronic equipment that anyands near a receiver, in order then anyanda transmitter unit to ascertain how much the suspected interfering equipment really large.

A microphone 333 may be built into the transmitter device where the microphone is omnidirectional or unidirectional. Alternatively, Dada types of microphones can be provided, either as a configurable microphone or two separate microphones. If two microphones are included in the transmitter device 301, their signals may be mixed at a fixed or user-defined rate or a signal may be given priority if the level of that signal exceeds a predetermined level. A sound input connector 334 in principle allows the type of sound source to be connected to the transmitter device 301. To enable easy operation, a bat 335 is included which is rechargeable or of a standard type. If the battery 335 is rechargeable, an external charger 336 can be used to charge the battery.

In this embodiment, the transmitter device further comprises an AIDon converter 340, an encoder 341, an encoder 342 and a transmitter 343, which are used together to convert the analog audio signal into a digitally represented audio signal & pm sands over radio. A controller 344 which is a CPU, microcontroller, DSP or the like, may execute software instructions, e.g. to send key and channel data to the receiver. A memory 345, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM memory, flash memory, or any combination of these, is used for various purposes by the controller 344, one of which is to store data and program instructions, another to store channel and key data. when the sanding device 301 is placed in the rest position.

Fig. 4A shows the internal components of a receiver device according to an embodiment of the present invention. This receiver device 402a is a separate receiver device 402a with a user interface and a power source. The user can e.g. wear the receiver device 402a in a necklace having the function of a hearing loop around the neck to allow easy access and use. The receiver device 402a comprises a display 450, e.g. an LCD or TFT monitor and a 451 keypad, which is the user interface. The keypad can be very simple with only a few fatal buttons, which allows the user to navigate through a menu system on the screen to perform a large number of functions. In addition, special keys, such as volume up and volume down keys, can be provided. Using the user interface, the user can, for example, configure receiver devices 402a to listen to a particular channel / frequency. An antenna 452, which is used to receive radio signals, is preferably built into the receiver device 402a for an attractive appearance and efficient use. The antenna 452 normally used to listen to a transmitter unit in the system is also used to listen for radio interference when no units in the system are transmitting radio traffic. In this way, radio interference can be detected by the receiver 402a when this function is used. If there are radio interruptions above a predetermined threshold value that can be received by the receiver, the receiver can be set to automatically turn itself off and indicate this on the screen 450 so that the user is informed. In this way, it can be guaranteed that the system will not be used when it is not fully functional.

A microphone 453 may be built into the receiver device 402a, where the microphone is a one-way telephone, a one-way telephone, or a microphone configurable to be either a one-way or a one-way microphone, or two microphones for the two applications. This not only allows the user to listen to the transmitted audio signal from e.g. a lecturer, without also whore local sound, like listening to people near the user in the audience. The user can, with the help of the user interface, control how external sound and local sound are mixed. Optionally, a signal can be configured to take priority if the level exceeds a predetermined level. An audio output connector 454 allows the user to connect an electroacoustic transducer, such as a hearing loop, a headphone, a hearing aid, headphones or the like, to the receiver device 402a, thereby presenting the sound to the user. To enable easy handling, a batten is included that is rechargeable or is of a standard type. If the battery is rechargeable, an external charger 456 can be used to charge the battery.

In this embodiment, the receiver device 402a further comprises a receiver 460, a decoder 461, a decoder 462 and a D / A converter 463, which are used together to convert the digitally represented signal into an analog audio signal to be provided by the audio-out connector 454. A controller 464, which is a CPU, microcontroller, DSP or the like, may execute software instructions such as to take ennot key and channel data or to run the user interface. A memory 465, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or any combination of these is used for various purposes by the controller 444, one of which is to store data and program instructions.

Fig. 4B shows the internal components of a receiver device 402b according to another embodiment of the present invention. This receiver device 402b is a minimum receiver device 402b with only a minimal user interface and no internal power supply. To use the receiver device 402b, it is easily connected to an existing hearing aid by hanging on a hearing aid connector 456, e.g. a connector with three pins. Two of the three pins are used for power. The third pin is a signal pin commonly used to transmit the audio signal to the hearing aid but may also be used for other purposes, such as receiving configuration data to the receiver device 402b. Accordingly, the three-pin connector can be used to conveniently configure the receiver device 402b. Alternatively, the receiver device 402b may be built into a whore apparatus of a device. A state selector 457 allows the user the second operating state of the receiver device 402b. In this embodiment, there are three states: low volume, high volume and idle mode. Low volume and high volume are states where the receiver device 402b is in an active state and receives audio data and provides an audio signal to the hearing aid either with a low and a high volume, respectively. In the idle layer, the receiver device 402b does not receive data but retains key and channel data, allowing the receiver device 402b to use this data immediately when the receiver device 402b becomes active again. Optionally, the receiver device 402b may turn off the power completely to save power if no bare wave is detected for a certain amount of time, e.g. 10 minutes. In one embodiment, when the power selection is turned off, the receiver device 402b may periodically wake itself to check if a barewave is available, at which point the receiver device 402b would turn on the power and listen to the radio signal. This behavior can be configured manually or automatically e.g. by means of the three-pin connector 456 or over a radio or inductive connection to a receiver configuration unit, such as the receiver configuration unit 120 of Fig. 1.

An antenna 452 used to receive radio signals is preferably built into the receiver device 402b for an attractive appearance and efficient use. The antenna 452 in the mini-receiver 402b is used, just as for the receiver 402a, according to an embodiment of the invention for receiving radio interference when no units in the system are transmitting. The mini receiver 402b can then register radio interference from other electronics, e.g. from the hearing aid 5 the minimum receiver is mounted on, and notify the user by sound or light that there are radio interference. The minimum receiver 402b can also be set so that it switches off automatically when registered disturbances are greater than a certain threshold value.

In this embodiment, the receiver device 402b further includes a receiver 460, a decoder 461, a decoder 462 and a D / A converter 463, which are used together to convert the digitally represented audio signal to an analog audio signal to be provided through the hearing aid connector 46. , which is a CPU, microcontroller, DSP or the like, can execute software instructions, e.g. to ennot key and channel data or to operate the user interface. A memory 465, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory, or any combination thereof, is used for various purposes by the controller 444, one of which is to store data and program instructions.

Fig. 40 shows the internal components of an installation unit 403 for the minimum receiver according to Fig. 4B. The installation unit 403 contains a receiver part 301 and a transmitter part 402a. The components in these are the same as in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4a. The components which are common to the [Dada units and of which there need not be two are only present in one set and are divided by the two functional parts sander part 301 and receiver part 402b. These components are monitor 330, 450, keypad 331, 451, antenna 332, 452, microphone, 333, 453, audio-in-out connector 334, 454, battery 335, 455, ND converter 340, 463, controller 344 , 464, memory 345, 465, and charger 336, 456.

The antenna 332, 452 is used to transmit and receive radio traffic between the installation unit 403 and the mini receiver 402b. This radio communication includes both normal sanding of audio data from the installation unit 403 and corresponding reception in the mini receiver 402b. The installation unit then functions as a sandbox. According to an embodiment of the invention, the antenna is used to receive radio interference 604 from the environment when no units in the system are sanding. The installation unit 403 is placed close to the mini-receiver 402b and radio interference 604 from, for example, the nearby hearing aid 601 is recorded and its intensity for different frequencies Than 150 MHz to 2.5 GHz is displayed on the screen. It is indicated if the size of the radio disturbances 604 is larger than a predetermined level, above which the radio disturbances 604 risk affecting radio communication between a transmitter and the minimum receiver. The installation unit is limited to registering disturbances below the intensity level from -100 dB to -60 dB.

The installation unit 403 was also used primarily for installing installations at the mini receiver 402b. The installation unit 403 can be used to set up one installation at a time at the mini receiver. The installations can be done wirelessly via radio communication. This is done via a menu system displayed on the installation unit's screen. Examples of installations that can be made are setting the minimum receiver as a radio receiver only, setting the volume level for radio reception, setting the mini receiver to function as both radio receiver and hearing aid microphone, setting the volume level for the hearing aid microphone, setting and adjusting on / off auto-sleep, a function to automatically make the minimum receiver go into sleep mode, • set the on / off function of "always on", a function to deactivate the function button of the minimum receiver so that it does not go to turn it off, choose to send all installations at once to overwrite all installations at the mini receiver at the same time, • choose to upload new software or factory installations to the memory circuits of the mini receiver, choose to send installations to several mini receivers at the same time. The installation unit 403 also includes connectors 606 for connecting the mini-receiver 402b directly to the installation unit 403. Then the function of the mini-receiver 402b can be checked by listening to the reception of the mini-receiver 402b through the installation unit 403. The installation unit is then used as a replacement for the hearing aid 601. for example an audiologist can compare sound reproduction for a given installation for a certain hearing damage with the sound reproduction for a true hearing aid installed for normal hearing and thus check the function of the mini receiver 402b.

True units with antennas shown in Figs. 3, 4A, 4B, and 4C may all be optionally equipped with an additional antenna 466 for receiving radio interference.

Fig. 5 shows a structure in an embodiment of the present invention which comprises several transmitter devices and several receiver devices. To exemplify its structure, a scenario with a lecture will be explained. There is a first speaker 520 and a second speaker 521 which speaks to a first user 522 who is hearing impaired and a second user 523 who is also hearing impaired. In addition, there are probably more people in the audience who do not need help to hear the speakers (not shown).

A first transmitter device 501 transmits sound captured from the first speaker 520 on a first channel 510. A second transmitter device 502 transmits sound captured by the second speaker 521 on a second channel 511. As described in more detail above, the sound is converted to digital format. , is encoded, encrypted and sands as a radio signal. In this example, there is a multifunction unit 503, which may include receiver devices, transmitter devices, additional audio inputs which includes a Bluetooth and telephone input and this device may be further controlled via a remote control. The multifunction unit receives the signals on the two channels 510 and 511 from the first and second transmitter devices, mixes the signals as appropriate and transmits on a third channel 512. This provides a system where a first receiver device 504 and a second receiver device 505 receive only a mixed audio signal. the common third channel 512. The common sound can therefore be easily controlled to consist of an appropriate mixture of potential signals input to the multifunction unit 503, 19 which includes other unnamed inputs. As described in more detail above, the signal transmitted on the third channel is received, decrypted, decoded, converted to analogue format and presented by the first and second receiver devices presenting audio to the first and second users 522 and 523, respectively. The structure is not limited to two sanding devices or two receiving devices, as long as the number of channels required for sanding are available; the structure can operate with any number of sanders or receivers.

If the second speaker 521 needs to speak privately with the second user 523, the second speaker 521 may instruct the second transmitter device 502 to send configuration data, which includes channel and possibly key data, to the second receiver unit 505. Preferably, the second speaker 521 is near the second the user 523 and the configuration data are sanded with a bar width sufficiently short not to be received by the first receiver 504. Once the configuration data has been received by the second receiver device 505, the second receiver device 505 listens to a fourth channel 514 and the second transmitter device sands on the fourth channel 514. This provides a way for the second speaker 521 to speak privately with the second user 523.

If the reception is poor or if the receiver in the system shuts down due to excessive radio interference, the radio interference detection function of the installation unit can be used to locate the radio interference source so that it can be eliminated.

The installation unit can also be used by the speaker or the user to set up installations at the mini receiver. For example. the speaker can deactivate the function button of the user's mini receiver so that the user cannot turn off his mini receiver.

It should be noted that all devices in the system that have the function of detecting radio interference can be used to locate radio interference in the system. The installation unit also has a function for receiving information from other units about registered radio interference. In this way, a disturbance in a given room with a group of people using units in the hearing aid system can be more easily located.

Fig. 6 shows an aspect of the invention to record radio interference from electronic equipment. Mini-receiver 402b is connected to a hearing aid 601. As previously mentioned, the mini-receiver 402b has an antenna 452 for radio communication 603 with other units in the sand system. The hearing aid has electronics 602 which emit radio interference 604. Fig. 6 also shows an installation unit 403 with an antenna 332, 452, an optional antenna 466, a monitor 606, true a connection female 606 for receiving a mini-receiver 402b as previously described.

The installation unit 403 transmits and receives information from the antenna 332, 452 and is via the antenna 332, 452 in radio communication 603 with the minimum receiver. The radio communication may consist of sound sounding, installation commands, reading out installation information Than the mini receiver, etc. The antennas 452, 332, as well as the optional antenna 466, if this is implemented in the installation unit, will receive the radio interference 604 from the hearing aid electronics 602.

When no radio communication 603 is taking place, the installation unit 403 can be set up to listen to the radio interference 604 via the antenna 332, 452 or the optional antenna 466 and to display, for example, a frequency spectrum, an integrated sum of the radio interference intensity, or another indication of the radio interference 604 on the display 605. If the intensity of the radio disturbance 604 is above a predetermined threshold value, the minimum receiver 402b can be switched on.

If the mini-receiver 402b does not appear to function properly even though the radio interference 604 is below the threshold level, the mini-receiver 402b can be separated from the hearing aid 601 and connected to the connection socket 606. The mini-receiver can then be listened to via the installation unit speakers (not shown) or headphones (not shown). Installations of the minimum receiver can also be made when it is connected to the installation unit 403 via the connection tap 606.

The invention has mainly been described above with reference to a number of embodiments. On the other hand, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, other embodiments than those described above are equally possible within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 22

Claims (19)

PATENT REQUIREMENTS A unit (301, 402a, 402b, 403) for use in a hearing aid system comprising a radio antenna (332, 452) for receiving and / or sanding from / to other units (301, 402a, 402b, 403) in said hearing aid system, jug drawing of said unit (301, 402a, 402b, 403) is arranged to register a radio interference (604) received by said radio antenna (332, 452) emanating from a hearing aid (601) in said hearing aid system at an incident cid the radio antenna (332, ) not used for reception and / or sanding from / to the said other units (301, 402a, 402b, 403). A unit (301, 402a, 402b, 403) according to claim 1, further arranged to record an intensity level of said radio interference (604). A unit (301, 402a, 402b, 403) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the unit (301, 402a, 402b, 403) is arranged to record radio tunes (604) at a plurality of frequencies in a frequency band from 150 MHz to 20 2 , 5 GHz. A unit (301, 402a, 402b, 403) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the unit (301, 402a, 402b, 403) is arranged to register radio interference (604) in the order of -100 dB to -60 dB. A unit (301, 402a, 402b, 403) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said receiving and / or sanding takes place by means of digital communication. A unit (402b) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the unit (402b) is a minimum receiver for a hearing aid (601) in said hearing aid system. 23 The unit (402b) of claim 6, wherein said minimum receiver (402b) further comprises means for switching off upon registered indication that said radio interference (604) is stronger than a predetermined level. A unit (403) according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the unit is an installation unit (403) for a mini receiver (402b) in said hearing aid system, the installation unit (403) being arranged to communicate wirelessly with the mini receiver (402b), and wherein the installation unit (403) is arranged to communicate to the mini-receiver installations of the mini-receiver. The unit (403) of claim 8, wherein the unit comprises a connector for engaging said mini-receiver (402b) for a user to be able to listen to the mini-receiver (402b) with a hearing aid via an inductive loop or via headphones or a headphone . The unit (403) of claim 9, wherein said connector is arranged to read out installations from the mini-receiver (402b). A unit (403) according to claim 10, wherein said unit is arranged to unload wirelessly or via said connection Transfer installations to a minimum receiver. A unit (403) according to any one of claims 8-11, wherein the installation unit (403) is arranged to activate and deactivate at least one of the following functions of the minimum receiver (402b): Installation of sound level and impedance beat, indication tone, automatic idle mode, pairing, always . A unit (403) according to any one of claims 8-12, wherein the installation unit (403) is arranged to set up several minimum receivers substantially simultaneously. 24 An assembly according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the assembly is a transmitter unit (301) in said hearing aid system, said transmitter unit comprising a microphone (333) for recording audio information. The unit (301) of claim 14, wherein said transmitter unit trAdlost is provided to all other installations of said mini-receiver (402b). A unit (301, 402a, 402b, 403) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the unit has a separate radio antenna (346, 466) for registering said radio interference, separate from the radio antenna (332, 452) arranged for sanding and / or or reception from / to other units (301, 402a, 402b, 403) in said hearing aid system. A unit (301, 402a, 402b, 403) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the unit comprises means for aft indicating that said registered radio noise is stronger than a predetermined level. A unit (301, 402a, 402b, 403) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the unit comprises means for indicating said recorded radio disturbance visually and / or audibly via a light unit, a display (330, 450, 605) or a sound emitting unit. A communication system comprising a mini-receiver (402b) connected to a hearing aid (601) and comprising a radio antenna (452) for receiving communication, an installation unit (403) comprising a radio antenna (452) for communicating installations and audio information to said mini-receiver (402b). ) a transmitter unit (301) comprising a radio antenna (332) for transmitting audio information to said mini-receiver (402b), characterized by at least one of said mini-receivers (402b), installation unit (403) or transmitter unit (301) arranged thereon to register a radio interference. (604) vibrating from a hearing aid (601) in said hearing aid system at a time when its radio antenna (332, 452) is not being used for sanding and / or reception. 26 1/6 113 tv 1 2 Receiver configuration unit Installation unit